Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed will join Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund, to host the 31st Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball on Saturday, December 20, 20146:00 p.m.-Midnight. The event will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. This is Mayor Reed’s fifth UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, an event which will benefit UNCF and its 37 member colleges and universities.
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The R & B Divas were at it again. Back to filming season 2 and adding some new faces to the squad. Tonight they performed a tribute to the one and only Chaka Khan and it was incredible and angelic to the ears. There’s nothing like someone singing your song to you and it actually sounding like you. Ya know? Chaka Khan and the audience gave the girls a Standing Ovation after their amazing performance. Rickey Smiley was the host and it just felt like a TV One Take Over type of evening READ MORE

Yall let me say this it seems like every time I come to New Orleans it is funny drama, and hell at first, mostly cause I don’t handle my business but I think this years trip tops them all… Just thankful I am here and a live. Last night Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, D’Angelo and Aretha Franklin are just a few of the artists making their way to the Big Easy this weekend for the Essence Music Festival.The New Orleans event is under way now, with organizers kicking things off Thursday with “Youth Day.”

Last night featured performances from Wilson and D’Angelo, (WOW he had a great show) as well as Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole and the Pointer Sisters.

On Saturday, Blige will top a bill that also includes Ledisi, Tank, Mary Mary and comedian Kevin Hart. Chaka Khan will close things out on Sunday, following performances from Aretha Franklin, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia and Kirk Franklin.Look at the lovely Stephanie MillsÂ Â photoed above is currently working a new album and is about to hit the road as she prepares for new up to date virgin of the play “WIZ”… P.S. Aretha Franklin is also slated to receive the inaugural “Power Award” at this year’s Essence Music Festival. For a full list of performers and events, visit EssenceMusicFestival.com. READ MORE

Mariah Carey helped cap-off the 2012 BET Awards with a tribute to Whitney Houston. HipHopWired Carey started things off reminiscing about first hearing Houston’s music.

“The first time I heard Whitney’s voice, I was mesmerized like the rest of the world,” she said. “I was captivated by the power in her range and her unique ability to wrap a lyric in an emotion.”

Carey also spoke on seeing the 48-year-old for the last time, while overseas. “Even then folks were surprised to see us sitting next to each other, clearly enjoying each others’ company. I miss my friend, I miss hearing her voice in laughter, but we’ll always have the music,” she added, holding back tears.

The late singer was remembered by the likes of Monica , Brandy, and Houston’s mother, Cissy, all of whom took the stage. Cissy’s dedication to her only daughter made many in the audience teary-eyed, including Kanye West. Watch the video below: READ MORE

Have to say I am kinda disappointed I am not in L.A. right now God is workin on me,and thats where that story ends anyways back to the real news.

NecoleBitchie reports The OMG Girlz were showing off their colorful hairstyles and playful personalities earlier today as part of the BET Awards Radio Room at the Shrine Auditorium. They were among a long list of celebs that stopped by the Shrine to take part in press interviews, as well as the official gifting suite to snatch up some freebies.

Ford Motor Co. has their own Ford Hot Spot Lounge set up for us bloggers to get all the behind-the-scene scoop, interviews, pics and more the homie TalkingWithTamie reports! Check out the lounge area and some of your fav celebrities doing press junkets!

Chaka Khan said her recent health kick â€“ which has so far resulted in a 60 pound weight loss â€“ was her immediate response to discovering that she suffers from diabetes.

The R&B legend, 59, was diagnosed with the blood sugar condition last year. She said the condition, and winning custody of her young granddaughter, were just the kick starts she needed to begin her drastic weight loss program, which involved fasting and adopting a vegan diet.

â€œI had diabetes type two and high blood pressure. I adopted my 10-year-old granddaughter last year. I have to be there for her,â€ she told Essence.com. READ MORE